Some Fail To Make Returns

The seoretary of state bas ascertained tbat 18,597 conples were married iu Miohigan dnriDg the year 1897. As there were a larger number of marriage lioenses grauted daring the year it is ooDolnded tbat clergyineu and ruagistrates performing the oeremony do not always make tbe return as reqnired by law. In 1894 tbere were 5G1 lioenses missing, and wbile tbe uuiuber is somewbat less tbis year tban heretofore an effort will oe made to looate the responsibility for the missing lioenses. Tbe law provides a very gevere penalty for failnre to make a return, and it is intimated tbat tbe penalty may be enforced. On the other band it is bat fair to presume tbat some of the couples to whom a lioense was issued obanged their minds and a few may have consideied tbat the license was all tbat was necessary.